Over the years, the diamond industry has had a devastating impact in countries such as Sierra Leone, Angola and the Congo, where profits from the sale of diamonds have been used to fund brutal wars, with disastrous effects on local communities.
The planet's environmental woes tend to be overlooked as we scramble for the latest high-tech gizmos - and conveniently ignore their energy consumption.
Coral reefs represent some of the world's most spectacular beauty spots, but they are also the foundation of marine life: without them many of the sea's most exquisite species will not survive.
Conservation is key to preserving many of the world's natural beauty spots, so do your best to help by keeping to designated footpaths and being a discerning souvenir collector.
Somehow, a scrubbed house spells a fresh start.
If you are energy-efficient and water-wise at home, then take all your good habits abroad with you.
Consuming less is the fastest way to eco-fashion redemption - particularly if your preference is for leather, not hemp.
My daughter is a real migraine sufferer; the minute she has a handful of Haribo sweets, she gets a headache. There's a connection between what the liver can't break down with what goes on to trigger a headache. You just have to be aware.
Consuming less means throwing away less, while reusing things actually helps to save the planet as well as the pennies.
I love judging food by its smell and feel and taste. The healthiest tomato isn't always the perfect one that's been covered in pesticides.
A long, hot bath is a real treat. But from a 'green' point of view, that's probably what it should be: an occasional treat.
Despite my love affair with skyscraper heels, luckily for my feet I rarely wear them - preferring, instead, the comfort and child-handling practicalities of a pair of trainers.
